Adeleke Urges Tinubu to Halt Osun Poll Violence, Demands Free and Fair Election

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the escalating political violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election, warning against a repeat of the violence that followed the 1983 elections in the South-West.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Olorunda Local Government Area, Adeleke said the people of Osun had endorsed President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid through the Accord Party and called on the President to ensure peace and fairness in the state.

The governor alleged that innocent lives were being lost in politically motivated attacks and accused security agencies, particularly the police, of failing to remain impartial.

Adeleke also urged President Tinubu to call the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, to order, alleging that his actions were contributing to heightened political tensions.

Drawing parallels with the 1983 post-election crisis, Adeleke warned that Osun residents would resist any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the governorship election.

In a post on his social media page after the rally, the governor reiterated his call for presidential intervention, insisting that the protection of lives and the conduct of a free, fair and credible election were essential to preserving Nigeria’s democracy.

He further urged President Tinubu to act as a father of the nation by ensuring that the democratic values he fought to establish are upheld during the Osun governorship election.